Best Timber for Decking Melbourne: Which Timber Should You Choose?

Best Timber for Decking Melbourne: Which Timber Should You Choose?

Choosing the best timber for decking Melbourne homes is not simply about picking the colour or grain you like most. Different decking timbers vary in appearance, durability, maintenance requirements, density and cost, so the right choice depends on your home, outdoor space and how you plan to use your deck.

Melbourne’s changing weather is another important consideration. Outdoor decks can be exposed to summer sun, rain, moisture and seasonal temperature changes throughout the year. Choosing suitable timber and maintaining it correctly can help your deck continue to look and perform well over time.

From the rich tones of Merbau and Spotted Gum to the lighter appearance of Blackbutt, Melbourne homeowners have several timber options to consider. In this guide, we compare some popular choices to help you decide which one may suit your decking project.

What to Consider When Choosing Timber for Decking

Before comparing individual timber species, think about what matters most for your project. The best timber for decking Melbourne properties can vary depending on the location, design and way the outdoor area will be used.

Important considerations include:

• The appearance and colour you prefer
• How exposed the deck will be to sun and rain
• The amount of foot traffic the area will receive
• Your preferred level of ongoing maintenance
• The style of your home and surrounding landscaping
• Your project budget
• The availability of your preferred timber

There is no single timber that is automatically right for every home. Comparing these factors can help narrow down your options.

1. Merbau Decking

Merbau is a familiar choice for Australian residential decking and is known for its rich brown to reddish-brown appearance.

Its warm colour can work particularly well with garden landscaping, outdoor entertaining areas and homes where a darker timber finish is preferred.

Why Consider Merbau for Decking?

• Distinctive warm colouring
• Commonly used for residential decking
• Works with a variety of landscape styles
• Can complement both gardens and outdoor entertaining areas

Like other natural timber decks, Merbau requires appropriate care. Its appearance can change with exposure to weather, and cleaning and suitable timber treatments may be required depending on the finish you want to maintain.

2. Spotted Gum Decking

Spotted Gum is an Australian hardwood known for its distinctive grain and natural variation in colour. Depending on the individual boards, tones can range from lighter browns through to deeper shades.

This natural variation can create a deck with plenty of character rather than a completely uniform appearance.

Why Consider Spotted Gum?

• Attractive natural grain
• Variation in natural colour
• Can suit contemporary and traditional landscape styles
• Dense Australian hardwood

For homeowners who want the timber itself to become a noticeable design feature, Spotted Gum can be an option worth considering.

3. Blackbutt Decking

Blackbutt is another Australian hardwood used for decking. It generally has a lighter appearance than timbers such as Merbau, making it appealing where a softer or more contemporary timber colour is preferred.

Its lighter tones can work well with modern architecture, neutral exterior finishes and garden designs where you do not want the deck to visually dominate the space.

Why Consider Blackbutt?

• Lighter natural colouring
• Clean and contemporary appearance
• Australian hardwood
• Can complement modern residential landscaping

As with any timber used outdoors, the finished appearance and maintenance requirements should be considered as part of the overall decking plan.

4. Jarrah Decking

Jarrah is recognised for its deep, rich colouring and distinctive hardwood appearance. It can create a strong visual feature in an outdoor space, particularly when paired with complementary landscaping and architectural finishes.

Its darker tones may suit homeowners looking for a more traditional or substantial timber appearance.

Why Consider Jarrah?

• Rich red and brown tones
• Distinctive natural appearance
• Dense hardwood
• Can create a strong feature within an outdoor living area

Availability, cost and the desired finish should be considered when comparing Jarrah with other decking timbers.

5. Ironbark Decking

Ironbark is a dense Australian hardwood with a substantial natural appearance. Its characteristics are quite different from lighter timber options, making it worth considering when comparing materials for a new deck.

Because of its density, installation considerations can also differ from some other timbers. The material should therefore be considered alongside the overall deck design and construction method.

Why Consider Ironbark?

• Dense Australian hardwood
• Strong natural character
• Available in varying natural tones
• Can suit outdoor areas where a substantial timber finish is preferred

6. Silvertop Ash Decking

Silvertop Ash offers another appearance for homeowners considering Australian timber. Its generally lighter colouring can complement contemporary gardens and homes with softer exterior palettes.

Individual boards can vary in colour and grain, so it is useful to look at actual timber samples rather than making a decision based only on photographs.

Why Consider Silvertop Ash?

• Lighter natural appearance
• Visible timber grain and character
• Can work with contemporary landscape designs
• Provides an alternative to darker decking timbers

7. Tallowwood Decking

Tallowwood is another hardwood option that may be considered for outdoor decking. Its colouring can range through yellow-brown and olive tones, giving it a noticeably different appearance from redder timbers such as Merbau and Jarrah.

Why Consider Tallowwood?

• Distinctive natural colouring
• Dense hardwood
• Different appearance from many commonly used decking timbers
• Suitable for homeowners who prefer a natural hardwood look

Merbau vs Spotted Gum vs Blackbutt

Merbau, Spotted Gum and Blackbutt are quite different visually, so comparing them can be a useful starting point when searching for the best timber for decking Melbourne homes.

Merbau generally offers warmer, darker brown and reddish tones. Spotted Gum is known for natural grain variation and a broad range of colours, while Blackbutt generally provides a lighter and more understated appearance.

Rather than choosing purely on popularity, consider how the timber will look beside your home’s exterior, paving, garden beds and other outdoor materials.

Hardwood vs Composite Decking

Natural timber is not the only option for a new deck. Composite decking is also available and has different characteristics from hardwood.

Timber offers natural grain, colour variation and the appearance of real wood. Composite products provide a more manufactured and consistent appearance and generally have different maintenance requirements.

Neither option is automatically right for every project. Your preferred appearance, maintenance expectations, budget and overall landscape design should all be considered.

Choosing Timber for an Outdoor Living Area

A deck rarely exists completely on its own. It may connect the house with a garden, entertaining space, pergola, paved area or lawn.

For this reason, timber selection should also consider the surrounding landscape.

For example, a darker timber can create contrast against lighter paving, while lighter timber may suit a softer and more neutral outdoor palette.

If the deck forms part of a larger entertaining space, consider its design alongside the rest of your outdoor living area.

Decking for Sloping or Multi-Level Backyards

Decking can also be useful when designing outdoor spaces with changes in level.

Depending on the property, a deck may connect different parts of the landscape or form part of a larger design involving steps, retaining walls and garden areas.

Where significant constructed landscape elements are involved, the deck can be considered as part of the wider structural landscaping plan.

How to Maintain Timber Decking

Natural timber used outdoors is exposed to sunlight, rain, dirt and changing weather conditions. Regular care can help manage its appearance and condition.

A basic timber deck maintenance routine may include:

• Removing leaves, dirt and debris
• Cleaning the deck when required
• Checking boards and fixings periodically
• Using appropriate decking oils or coatings where required
• Following recommendations for the particular timber and finish

The frequency of maintenance depends on the timber, coating, exposure and the appearance you want to maintain.

Does Timber Decking Change Colour Over Time?

Yes. Natural timber changes as it is exposed to sunlight and weather.

The degree of change depends on the timber species, finish, exposure and maintenance. Some homeowners prefer to maintain the original colour as much as possible, while others are comfortable with the timber naturally changing over time.

Understanding this before installation can help you choose a timber that matches your expectations.

How Much Does Timber Decking Cost in Melbourne?

The cost of timber decking in Melbourne depends on more than the price of the decking boards themselves.

Factors can include:

• Timber species
• Size and shape of the deck
• Site access
• Ground levels
• Substructure requirements
• Steps or changes in level
• Design complexity
• Finishing requirements

For this reason, it is more useful to consider the complete decking project rather than comparing options only by the cost of timber per board or square metre.

So, What Is the Best Timber for Decking Melbourne Homes?

The best timber for decking Melbourne homeowners choose will depend on the property and the look they want to create.

Merbau may appeal if you prefer rich, warm tones. Spotted Gum provides distinctive natural variation, while Blackbutt can create a lighter contemporary appearance. Other hardwoods such as Jarrah, Ironbark, Silvertop Ash and Tallowwood provide additional options depending on availability, budget and design preferences.

A useful approach is to compare actual timber samples and consider how each option will work with your home, garden and surrounding landscape.

Timber Decking Installation in Melbourne

Choosing the timber is only one part of a decking project. The deck design, substructure, site conditions and relationship with the surrounding landscape also need to be considered.

Art of Gardening & Landscaping provides decking installation in Melbourne as part of residential landscaping and outdoor living projects.

We work across Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Wheelers Hill, Burwood, Rowville, Balwyn, Blackburn, Chadstone, Glen Iris and Camberwell, as well as surrounding suburbs across Melbourne’s east.

Frequently Asked Questions About Timber Decking

What is the best timber for decking in Melbourne?

There is no single timber that is right for every property. Merbau, Spotted Gum, Blackbutt and other hardwoods have different colours, characteristics, maintenance requirements and price points. The right choice depends on your home, site and preferred appearance.

Is Merbau good for decking?

Merbau is commonly used for residential decking in Australia and is known for its rich brown to reddish colouring. Like other outdoor timbers, it requires appropriate care and maintenance to manage its appearance over time.

Is Spotted Gum suitable for decking?

Spotted Gum is an Australian hardwood used for decking and is known for its distinctive grain and natural colour variation. It can suit both contemporary and traditional outdoor designs.

What is the difference between Merbau and Blackbutt decking?

One of the most noticeable differences is appearance. Merbau generally has darker, warmer brown and reddish tones, while Blackbutt typically has a lighter natural colour. Availability, maintenance and individual project requirements should also be considered.

Does timber decking need regular maintenance?

Yes. Outdoor timber is exposed to sun, rain and changing weather conditions. Cleaning, inspection and appropriate timber treatments may be required depending on the species, finish and level of exposure.

Should decking be planned with the rest of the landscaping?

Yes. This is particularly useful when the deck connects with paving, retaining walls, garden beds, steps or an outdoor entertaining area. Considering these elements together can help create a more connected outdoor space.

Planning a New Timber Deck?

If you are considering a new deck as part of your landscaping or outdoor living project, the timber, design and surrounding landscape can all be considered together.

Contact Art of Gardening & Landscaping to discuss your decking project.